250 On Diseases and Accidents of Fanners > 



rious acute illness, or laid tlie foundation for tedious 

 chronic complaints. Many persons have an impression, 

 that such exjK)sure is necessary, and particularly praise 

 worthy in young persons, to render them hardy ; and a 

 reference is sometimes made to the Indians, who dress 

 lightly in winter, to prove the harnilessness of cold ; but 

 those who use this argument should reflect on the differ- 

 ence between the original stamina of savages, their man- 

 ners and habits, and uniformity of life, and those of 

 civilised society. To be consistent, and to give the ar- 

 gument weight, they should imitate the savages in all 

 things regarding their modes of life, but as this attempt 

 would be impracticable, we must cease to quote them, 

 and act agreeably to the constitutions we have acquired, 

 and to the circumstances in which we are placed. Let 

 persons, therefore, in civilized life, howeverhardy they may 

 be, guard against the effects of severe cold : and if unfor- 

 tunately exposed thereto, let them as soon as possible pre- 

 vent the effects of it. When after such exposure, a limb, 

 or any part feels numb, it should be rubbed with snow, 

 or immersed or washed in cold water, which will cause 

 n gradual return of vital heat to the part. Avoid ap- 

 proaching the fire, or remaining in a warm room for some 

 hours, for either an inflammation of the part, or severe 

 rheumatism will be the consequence. The application 

 of the simple remedy of the fat of poultry, has been found 

 highly beneficial as a local application, and after the 

 use of cold water or snow, should not be neglected. 



A head-ache should never be trifled with; in young 

 persons it is the first symptom of a violent fever, and in 

 those beyond the middle stage of life, it is the precursor of 

 apoplexy, and its common attendant, palsy. Timely and 

 sufficient evacuation of the bowels, the loss of blood, pro- 

 portioned to the vigour of the patient, and force of the 

 pain, together Vv^ith rigid abstinence and quiet, wnW often 

 prevent both complaints. 



